Chapter 1:Rules Governing the Use of the Maine Turnpike

Section 1 Speed Limits

Except where an exception is provided for by this Rule, the maximum speed of motor vehicles on the Turnpike shall be limited to seventy (70) miles per hour, and the minimum speed shall not be less than forty-five (45) miles per hour. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum speed of motor vehicles on the following portions of the Turnpike shall be as specified: On any portion of the Turnpike south of I-95 mile marker 2.1 in Kittery the maximum speed shall be sixty-five (65) miles per hour.

· On any portion of the Turnpike lying north of mile marker 44.1 and south of mile marker 52.3 the maximum speed shall be sixty (60) miles per hour.

· On the Falmouth Spur the maximum speed shall be sixty (60) miles per hour. The Falmouth spur, for purposes of this section, is defined as the segment of highway owned by the Maine Turnpike Authority between the median opening at mile marker F3.8 to the Railroad Bridge overpass at mile marker F0.5 near the ramps connecting that segment of the highway to the Turnpike mainline.

The Authority may designate different maximum speeds for construction, transitional or other reduced speed zones where operational conditions warrant, and during periods of adverse atmospheric or weather conditions. Maximum speeds within construction, transitional or reduced speed zones or during any period of adverse atmospheric or weather conditions shall be in accordance with signs displayed for such zones. All regulatory and zoning signs displayed on the Turnpike shall be obeyed.

Speed zones through toll plaza lanes where toll booths are present are reduced speed zones and shall be defined as the area 75 feet in front of a toll booth and shall continue to a point 75 feet beyond the rear of a toll booth. The maximum speed through these zones shall be ten (10) miles per hour.

Regulatory signs for reduced toll plaza speed zones shall be placed in advance of, at the beginning, and at the end of the defined speed zone. All regulatory signs displayed at the toll plaza shall be obeyed.

The Authority may designate specific lanes where tolls or information necessary for the collection of tolls are collected but which do not allow for physical payment of a toll in cash from that lane as electronic toll collection only lanes. The maximum speed in electronic toll collection only lanes shall be ten (10) miles per hour unless otherwise signed by the Authority, in which case the maximum speed shall be as signed.

Motor vehicles shall not be driven in excess of the mechanical limits of vehicles or tires. If traffic, weather, pavement or other conditions render the maximum allowable speed hazardous, the speed of motor vehicles shall be reduced consistent with such conditions.

Section 1-A Lane Restrictions

In order to improve the air quality in southern Maine, trucks, including truck tractors but excluding pickup trucks, all as defined in 29-A M.R.S.A. §101, may only operate in the two farthest right hand lanes on any section of the Turnpike south of Mile Marker 44 that consists of three lanes in each direction.

Section 2 One Way Traffic

All traffic shall travel the dual or triple lanes to the right of the median strip; travel to the left of the median strip is prohibited. All traffic lanes, deceleration lanes, acceleration lanes, shoulders, and other travel ways on the Turnpike are one-way, and all motor vehicles leaving the traffic lanes, to a Toll Plaza or service station, shall leave from the right hand traffic lane to the deceleration lane to the right thereof, and follow the same one-way to such Toll Plaza or service station, and upon leaving a service station or entering the Turnpike from a Toll Plaza shall do so by way of the acceleration lane and shall enter the right traffic lane with care.

Section 3 : Parking

Section 3-A Parking Prohibited - Exceptions

Parking or stopping of vehicles on any Maine Turnpike Authority property other than an Authority designated parking area is prohibited. For the purposes of this rule, “parking area” means any Authority property on which parking is allowed, including but not limited to concession areas, park and ride lots, lots associated with other Authority facilities, and the approaches thereto. Except where specifically allowed by this rule, and without limitation of the foregoing, parking or stopping of vehicles on any portion of the right of way of the Maine Turnpike, including any traffic lane, deceleration lane, acceleration lane, breakdown lane, interchange, ramp, embankment, clear zone, or bridge is prohibited. A vehicle parked in violation of this section shall be prima facie evidence that the registered owner of that vehicle parked or allowed the vehicle in question to be so parked.

Section 3-B Breakdowns and Emergencies

If mechanical breakdown or another emergency requires that a vehicle be parked or stopped on the traveled portion of the Turnpike, the vehicle will be parked on the shoulder to the right of any traffic lane. All wheels and projecting parts of the vehicle or load of a vehicle parked for emergency or breakdown purposes shall be completely clear of the traffic lane. During the period beginning one-half (1/2) hour after sunset and ending one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise or at any other time when insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric or weather conditions require, any vehicle parked for emergency or breakdown purposes shall display illuminated parking and tail lights, or lighted flares to indicate its location. The driver of a disabled vehicle shall arrange for its prompt removal from the Turnpike. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as granting any person the right to leave a vehicle on the traveled portion or shoulder of the Turnpike for any period of time, nor will anything in this paragraph limit the Authority's discretion to remove a disabled vehicle from the Turnpike under paragraph (D) below.

Section 3-C Parking in MTA Parking Areas

Signs will be posted at parking areas governing the length of time that a motor vehicle may remain parked in those areas, the purposes for which a vehicle may be parked in such area or placing other conditions upon the use of said area for parking. Use of any posted parking area constitutes agreement to abide by the conditions or restrictions posted and it is a violation of these rules to park or allow one's vehicle to be parked in violation of any posted condition or restriction. Any motor vehicle parked or standing in an Authority parking area will be parked in designated spaces wholly within the lines provided where possible. . Unless otherwise posted, parking at concession areas is permitted only for the use of the facilities there and only for so long as use of the facilities requires. Unless otherwise posted, parking at Park and Rides is permitted only for the purpose of commuting as posted or as otherwise defined in the Authority's then current Park and Ride Policy, a copy of which available at http://www.Maineturnpike.com or by contacting the Maine Turnpike Authority. Parking at other Authority facilities is only allowed for persons there on Authority business and only for as long as the conduct of that business requires.Signs will be posted at parking areas governing the length of time that a motor vehicle may remain parked in those areas, the purposes for which a vehicle may be parked in such area or placing other conditions upon the use of said area for parking. Use of any posted parking area constitutes agreement to abide by the conditions or restrictions posted and it is a violation of these rules to park or allow one's vehicle to be parked in violation of any posted condition or restriction. Any motor vehicle parked or standing in an Authority parking area will be parked in designated spaces wholly within the lines provided where possible. . Unless otherwise posted, parking at concession areas is permitted only for the use of the facilities there and only for so long as use of the facilities requires. Unless otherwise posted, parking at Park and Rides is permitted only for the purpose of commuting as posted or as otherwise defined in the Authority's then current Park and Ride Policy, a copy of which available at http://www.Maineturnpike.com or by contacting the Maine Turnpike Authority. Parking at other Authority facilities is only allowed for persons there on Authority business and only for as long as the conduct of that business requires.

Section 3-D Towing

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any motor vehicle which, in the Authority’s judgment, has been illegally parked on Authority property, which is parked in a manner which represents a safety hazard, or which interferes with Authority operations, including but not limited to maintenance and snow removal operations, may be removed from Authority property at the owners' expense, including but not limited to the payment of any towing and storage fees. The Authority shall not be liable for any damages resulting from such removal and nothing in this rule will limit the Authority's power to remove vehicles from its property in accordance with this subsection.

Section 3-E Exceptions

These rules do not apply to Maine Turnpike Authority personnel, State Police or other emergency personnel parked in the course of their official duties or to other persons specifically exempted by the Authority for the purposes of performing work on Authority property.

Section 3-F Enforcement

Violation of this section will be enforced in accordance with 23 MRSA §1980(1). Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ability of the Authority from enforcing this section through any other means available to it in law or equity.

Section 4 Median Strip

The median strip is the area between the dual or triple traffic lanes for the purpose of separating traffic proceeding in opposite directions.

Crossing, driving, parking or stopping on the median strip is prohibited. Openings through the median strip are provided for official use of maintenance, operational, police vehicles, or fire and rescue vehicles when responding to an incident, and shall not be used by the public.

Section 5 No U-Turn

Section 6 Pedestrians

Pedestrians are not permitted on the Turnpike, on any Interchange or at any Toll Plaza. Solicitation of rides passing of hand bills, displaying signs, or attempting to sell merchandise is prohibited on any Maine Turnpike property except as specifically permitted in writing by the Maine Turnpike Authority. Loitering on any Turnpike property is prohibited.

Section 7 Prohibited Vehicles

A. Bicycles or tricycles, with or without motors, and motor driven cycles, including motor
scooters.

B. Animal drawn vehicles.

C. Animals – led, ridden, or driven.

D. Vehicles loaded with animals or poultry not properly confined.

E. Vehicles with flat pneumatic tires.

F. Farm implements.

G. Vehicles in the charge of intoxicated or otherwise incapacitated operators.

H. Vehicles with improperly secured loads which may shift or litter the highway.

I. Vehicles with metal tires or which have solid tires worn to metal.

J. Rollers, graders, power shovels, or other construction equipment, either self-propelled or in tow of another vehicle, unless such equipment is either (i) truck mounted and such truck can be operated at a minimum speed of forty-five (45) miles per hour while traveling on the Turnpike, weather and road conditions permitting, or (ii) owned or controlled by the Authority or by any contractor in connection with the performance of work authorized by the Authority.

K. Vehicles exceeding the maximum weights allowed on State highways under the motor vehicles laws of the State of Maine in effect from time to time, unless accompanied by an overweight permit issued by the State of Maine Department of Transportation.

L. Vehicles including any load thereon exceeding the following maximum dimensions, unless permitted pursuant to Rule 10 of the Rules Governing Use of the Maine Turnpike:

Height 13 feet 6 inches

Width 8 feet 6 inches

Length The maximum allowable lengths permitted on Interstate highways and other limited access roadways in Maine pursuant to the motor vehicle laws of the State of Maine, as in effect from time to time, without overlength permit.

M. Disabled vehicles in tow by tow-rope or chain.

N. Any vehicle which may be unsafe or hazardous to persons or property, except as permits for the transportation of radioactive material may be issued in accordance with the provisions contained in Section 11.

O. Any vehicle whose use is banned on similar interstate highways in Maine under state or federal law or regulation, whether because of the controlled access nature of the highway, the speed limit of the highway, or any other factor.

P. Any class of vehicle which may be prohibited by resolution of the Authority from time to time due to a finding by the Authority that said class of vehicle presents a safety hazard, is liable to cause unwarranted damage to the highway or otherwise interferes with the operation of the Maine Turnpike.

Section 9 Trees, Shrubs and Plants

Section 10 Overlimit Permits

Vehicles or combinations in excess of the permitted length or width provided in Section 7(L) of these rules (“overlimit vehicles”) may be admitted to the Turnpike by permit, in accordance with all applicable provisions of these rules and such other limitations and conditions as may be provided in the permit.

A. Permits will be valid for one day only and will be issued pursuant to application submitted on forms provided by the Authority. In addition to the applicable fare in the regulator Fare Schedule, a permit fee of ten ($10.00) dollars shall be paid at the time of such application.

B. Permits will not be issued for any vehicles which, with the load thereon, exceeds 14 feet six inches (14’6”) in overall width.

C. Vehicles which, with the load thereon, exceed ten (10) feet in overall width will be allowed to enter or exit the Turnpike only at Toll Plazas designated by the Authority, from time to time, as accommodating wide loads.

D. The right is reserved to deny permits to any vehicle which may be unsafe or hazardous to persons or property and to limit the validity of any permit with respect to speed, times of travel, weather, or traffic conditions. Otherwise, the State of Maine statutes, rules and regulations from time to time in effect governing the movements of overlimit vehicles and loads in excess in eight feet, six inches (8’6”) in width, shall apply to all vehicles operated on the Turnpike pursuant to permits issued under this section, subject to the following modifications :

1. Movement of overlimits is permitted only between ½ hour before sunrise through ½ hour after sunset. If the destination cannot be reached within this time period , the overlimit vehicle must depart at the nearest allowable exit.

2. Overlimit vehicles will not be allowed to park at Turnpike concession areas or other parking areas overnight or for extended periods of time.

3. Overlimit vehicles will not be allowed to travel on the Turnpike during those periods of time when paving, repaving, bridge work, construction work or other type of maintenance is under way which will require the restriction of the movement of vehicles and loads in excess of 8 feet 6 inches (8’6”) in width, unless specifically authorized by a permit issued by the Maine Turnpike Authority under subsection 10(F), below.

4. Overlimit vehicles will only be permitted if such vehicles can be operated in a safe and adequate manner, at a minimum speed of forty-five (45) miles per hour while traveling on the Turnpike, weather and road conditions permitting, and construction equipment will only be permitted if such equipment is truck mounted and such truck as so loaded can be operated in a safe and adequate manner at a minimum speed of 45 miles per hour.

5. Notwithstanding the above, the State Police Commander for Troop G and the Authority may jointly authorize night moves of overlimit vehicles at such times and in such areas where public safety will not be adversely affected. In all such cases, Maine State Police personnel will be present to escort vehicles performing the night moves.

E. The operator of an overlimit vehicle operated on the Turnpike must have in his or her possession any corresponding permit required by Maine law for the operation of such vehicle on state highways.

F. Other Overdimensional Vehicles. Vehicles not otherwise eligible for a permit under this section, including but not limited to vehicles in excess of the applicable weight limits under state law or the height and width limits contained in this rule, will not be allowed to travel on the Turnpike or cross any bridge over the Maine Turnpike without a special permit granted by the Authority after an individualized analysis of the vehicle, applicable bridge load ratings, and other relevant factors. The owner of the vehicle in question will be liable to reimburse all costs incurred by the Authority in relation to the analysis as a condition of receiving the permit.

Section 11 Permits for the Transportation of Radioactive Material

Permits for the transportation of radioactive material will be issued by the Executive Director, the Secretary-Treasurer or their authorized representatives, on the following terms and conditions:

A. Permits for a single trip only will be issued pursuant to applications submitted to the Authority not later three (3) days prior to the date of the proposed shipment on the Turnpike. Such application shall be submitted on forms provided by the Authority. In addition to the applicable fare in the regular Fare Schedule, a permit fee of ten ($10.00) dollars shall be paid at the time of such application.

B. Each such shipment shall conform in all respects to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including but not limited to applicable regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Authority reserves the right to require evidence of such compliance.

C. Such shipments shall be in compliance with all other applicable provisions of these Rules Governing Use of the Maine Turnpike. The Authority reserves the right to limit the validity of any permit with respect to speed, times of travel, weather, travel or other conditions affecting the safe transit on the Turnpike of such materials.

D. For purposes of this rule and Paragraph N of Rule 7 of these Rules Governing the Use of the Maine Turnpike, the term “radioactive material” is defined as fissile radioactive material which, under the applicable regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, when transported on a public highway must be labeled by placards on each load of such material.

Section 12 Payroll Information

Records filed with the Maine Turnpike Authority pursuant to 26 M.R.S.A. §1311 are public records pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act and shall be made available if requested pursuant thereto, except that Social Security numbers and taxpayer identification numbers contained in those records will be treated as confidential and shall not be disclosed.

Section 13 State Laws

All laws, rules and regulations in the State of Maine pertaining to the use of public highways and policing thereof shall apply to the Turnpike, except insofar as they may be supplemented by these Rules Governing the Use of the Maine Turnpike.

Section 14 Penalties

In accordance with 23 M.R.S.A. §1980, any violation of these rules shall constitute a traffic infraction, except that operation of a motor vehicle which exceeds, by 30 miles an hour or more, the speed fixed by the Authority, and failure to pay tolls, fares or charges for use of the Turnpike shall constitute Class E crimes.

Enabling Legislation Enabling Legislation (Title 23)

Disclaimer
This is a link to an external site operated by the Maine State Legislature. Reliance on any information provided is at the user’s own risk. The Maine Turnpike Authority, the State of Maine, its agencies, officers and employees do not warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of any information on the Maine Legislature’s web site and may not be held liable for any losses caused by any person’s reliance on the information available on this web site. For more information, click here.

Chapter 2: Regulations for the Installation of Logo Signs on the Maine Turnpike

Section 1 General Requirements

1. The use of logo signs shall be limited to areas primarily rural in character and to areas where adequate sign spacing can be maintained.

2. Logo signs for lodging, camping, and attractions may be installed at interchanges on the Maine Turnpike that are rural in character. Applications from at least two qualified services must be approved before installation of a logo sign assembly at an interchange which is rural in character.

3. Logo signs may be installed at a Maine Turnpike interchange that is rural in character, and that connects to a non-Maine Turnpike Interstate system if subsequent interchanges on that non-Maine Turnpike system have additional signing directing motorists to the applicable services.

4. Logo signs shall not be permitted for food and gas on the Maine Turnpike other than for Turnpike Service Plazas as provided by the Maine Turnpike Authority.

5. Logo for two or more types of service may be displayed on the same sign assembly.

6. More than one logo sign assembly may be installed at a qualified interchange exit only when three or more qualified services are available for each of two or more types of service.

7. The number of logo sign assemblies at a qualified interchange exit may not exceed two for each type of service or a total of four for all types of services.

8. Each sign assembly may display no more than six logos. Where more than six services of a specific service type qualify for a logo sign, they may be displayed on one other logo sign assembly.

9. At interchanges where conditions allow for only one logo sign assembly, signs shall be arranged to allow for a minimum of two types of service and, when applicable, one of these service types shall be attractions.

10. Logo signs shall not be permitted at locations where the directional information contained may be misinterpreted, misleading, or otherwise confusing to the traveling public. No logo signs shall be permitted at interchanges which do not provide return access to the Maine Turnpike in the direction of original travel, except as provided in subsection 3, above.

11. Each service may have not more than one mainline logo and one ramp logo in each direction on the Maine Turnpike. Logo signs permitted must be for the closest interchange to the service.

12. Each service shall be required to have a mainline as well as a ramp sign unless the Authority determines that the interchange cannot support ramp logo signing (See Section 5) in which case only mainline signs will be allowed. In the event that ramp signing is limited, the Authority will determine priority based on the criteria defined in Section 9.

13. Any service that is in violation of any provision of the Maine Traveler Information Services Act, 23 M.R.S.A. §1901 et seq. (as amended) shall not be eligible to establish or maintain a logo sign. The failure of a service to comply with any other applicable laws and/or to maintain professional standards in keeping with the prevalent practices in the service’s industry will be cause for the Authority to deny a logo sign or to remove one which has been permitted, as outlined in Section 11 below.

Section 2 Definitions

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Maine Turnpike Authority.

2. Maine Turnpike. “Maine Turnpike” means Interstate 95 from Kittery to Augusta under the jurisdiction of the Authority which is part of the interstate system as described in the United States Code, Title 23, section 103(e), as amended.

3. Logo sign. "Logo sign" means a sign provided by a service to identify the service’s trademark and/or name for facilities which provide lodging, camping or attractions.

5. Mainline sign assembly. “Mainline sign assembly” means the base unit of a sign to which logo signs are attached and which is erected along the Maine Turnpike in advance of an exit to direct motorists to a particular service.

6. Ramp sign assembly. "Ramp sign assembly" means the base unit of a sign to which logos are attached and which are erected along an off-ramp to direct motorists to a particular service.

7. Rural in Character . For the purposes of this logo rule only, “rural in Character ” interchanges include all interchanges that provide full access to the Maine Turnpike, but specifically excludes , exits 45, 47, 52, 102 and 103 which do not qualify.

8. Attraction. A cultural, historical, natural or major recreational site, or a leisure/ recreational activity destination.

2. Preference will be given to attractions that provide activities in two or more of the cultural, historical, or recreational categories.

3. GUIDELINE CRITERIA FOR SIGNING ATTRACTIONS

TYPE

SPECIFIC CRITERIA

LOCAL INTEREST

REGIONAL INTEREST

Natural Phenomenon

Visitors (Yrly)

5,000

50,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

10

50

Historic Site / District

Visitors (Yrly)

5,000

50,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

10

20

Cultural Site

Attendance (Yrly)

5,000

50,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

10

30

Amusement Park

Attendance (Yrly)

50,000

200,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

5

30

Arena

Attendance (Yrly)

100,000

250,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

5

20

Area of Natural or Scenic Beauty

Attendance (Yrly)

5,000

50,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

10

50

Leisure Activity

Attendance (Yrly)

10,000

50,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

10

30

Museum

Attendance (Yrly)

5,000

100,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

10

30

Recreational Area

Attendance (Yrly)

5,000

50,000

Distance from Interchange (Ml.)

10

100

Zoo, Botanical Garden, Wildlife Parks/Preserve & Aquariums

Distance From Interchange (MI)

10

30

Attendance

5000

100,000

Eligibility of Sites

A. Natural Phenomenon – Natural phenomenon shall be limited to features created by nature. (see also, Area of Natural or Scenic Beauty).

B. Historic Site/District – Historic sites or districts shall be limited to structures or sites that have definite historical significance as determined by the Maine Historical Society.

C. Cultural Site – Cultural sites shall be limited to any facility for the performing arts, exhibits, or concerts.

D. Amusement Park – Amusement parks shall be limited to a permanent area which is open to the general public for at least three months per year and which offer at least three of the following activities: swimming, entertainment rides, picnicking, hiking, food services, boating and/or riding.

F. Area of Natural or Scenic Beauty – An area of natural or scenic beauty shall be limited to a naturally occurring area of interest to the general public, including State or National Parks, wilderness areas, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, deserts, and similar areas.

G. Leisure Activity –A golf course, which shall have facilities open to the general public that offer at least 18 holes for play on a regulation size facility that operates for at least five months a year; a casino, which shall have facilities open to the public that offer gaming tables and machines operating all year.

H. Museum – A museum shall be limited to facilities open to the public at least 200 days per year, in which works of historic, artistic, or scientific value are cared for and exhibited.

I. Recreational Area – A recreational area shall be limited to those areas that include any of the following activities: boating, fishing, bicycling, kayaking, rafting, picnicking, snowmobiling, and skiing. A ski area shall have facilities that offer downhill, alpine, or cross-country (Nordic) skiing, with lifts and groomed trails.

J. Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Wild life park/preserves and Aquariums - Limited to facilities open to the public in which specimens are cared for and exhibited.

Section 4 Distance to Services

1. The maximum distance services shall be located from the end of an off-ramp to qualify for logo signing shall be 3 miles for camping and lodging. In the event that no lodging or camping services are available within this distance, the Authority may in its sole discretion extend the distance in 3 mile increments up to 15 miles until an eligible service is located. See the table in section 3 for maximum distances to attractions. Any camping, lodging, and attraction not located on the connecting public highway shall be required to install additional signing to direct motorists to these services. This may include logo signs installed on Maine Department of Transportation (Maine DOT) maintained public highways. All signs shall be installed at no cost to the Authority.

2. The distance to lodging, camping, and attraction services shall be measured by computing the travel length from the terminal of an exit ramp to the nearest point along the public highway where the nearest existing driveway entrance to the service is reached. Driveway length and width shall not be considered when making such distance computations.

Section 6 Logo Design

Logos shall be limited to a symbol or trademark, and/or a legend message identifying the name or abbreviation of the specific service under which it commonly operates. Logos shall not be approved that resemble an official traffic control device, for example a stop or yield sign. There shall be no other trade name, trademark, or enterprise other than the specific service facility name under which it commonly operates, in conjunction with the design or layout of a logo sign.

Section 8 Logo Legends

Legends shall refer to the name of the service. Logo legends on mainline signs shall not contain more than two lines of copy. The minimum legend character size shall be six inches in height on mainline signs. Ramp signs shall not contain more than three lines of copy. The minimum legend character size shall be four inches in height on ramp signs.

Highway Gothic Series B is the recommended letter style with no more than 80% condensing allowed.

Section 9 Logo Color

The logo sign shall be finished in a neat manner, free of cracks, wrinkles, blisters, discoloration, burrs, buckles and warps and shall present a smooth light surface of uniform color. All logo colors shall be made from either standard Type III white reflective sheeting, and shall meet all applicable requirements of “Section 719 Signing Material” of the State of Maine Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highways and Bridges, latest revision.

Section 10 Materials

Logo sign material shall be aluminum sheeting which complies with the latest revision of the State of Maine Department of Transportation Standard Specifications, Highways and Bridges for Section 719.04 “Aluminum Sheets”.

Section 11 Location of Sign Assemblies

1. MAINLINE SIGN ASSEMBLIES

A. Mainline sign assemblies shall be erected between the previous interchange and at least 800 feet in advance of the first exit direction sign closest to the interchange from which the services are available. There shall be at least 800 feet spacing between the logo sign assemblies and other highway signs.

B. If a service meets the criteria for approval at more than one interchange, signing will be allowed only from the exit providing the most direct route in each direction.

C. Once services are selected for a particular assembly, the first approved service from which an application was received will have its sign placed on the top left of the assembly and the second service facility of the same type will be on the next space horizontally. In cases where two types of services are combined on the same assembly , logos will be arranged with similar services grouped horizontally and the following priority of services displayed from top to bottom: lodging, camping, and attractions.

D. The number of sign assemblies shall be limited to one for each type of service along an approach to an interchange. At double exit interchanges the top section shall display logos for the first exit and the lower section shall display logos for the second exit. Specific service signs at double exit interchanges shall be limited to four logos each and shall be displayed successively in the direction of travel in the following order: camping, lodging, and attractions.

2. RAMP SIGN ASSEMBLIES

A. Ramp sign assemblies shall be installed along the ramp for service facilities which have logos displayed along the interstate unless the service is readily visible from the ramp terminal or if there is only one direction of travel possible at the end of the ramp and the service is less than ½ mile from the end of the ramp. Logos on ramp signs shall be duplicates of the corresponding logos installed along the main roadway and shall be grouped in the same manner as mainline signing. Ramp sign assemblies shall include distances to the nearest mile to the service if located more than ½ mile from the exit ramp. Directions shall be indicated by arrows.

B. Signs along the ramp shall be installed on the right side of the ramp, unless circumstances, including but not limited to physical layout and visibility, require left side installation. Spacing shall be provided between all ramp sign assemblies and between ramp sign assemblies and other highway signs to provide motorists adequate time to read all the messages on the ramp.

Section 12 Eligibility Survey

The Authority may survey services for which an application is submitted to determine eligibility for logo signs. Information relative to the eligibility of a specific interchange or exit ramp may be obtained from the Authority. No more than one logo sign per service shall be permitted along an approach to an interchange regardless of the number of services provided by a facility.

Section 13 Logo Permits

1. Application for a logo sign shall be made on forms furnished by the Authority. Applications will be processed and permits issued based on criteria developed by the Authority. These criteria will include, but not be limited to:

2. Competing interchange services for logo signing which exhibit similar characteristics in the categories outlined above may be selected based upon order of form receipt. Prioritization will be given to those service locations that had previously been signed by the Authority on a supplemental guide sign but was removed or is planned to be removed by the Authority.

3. Eligible services who receive a permit shall furnish logo signs constructed to specifications to the Authority. Once a permit is issued, the Authority or its vendor shall be responsible for physically installing logo signs and assemblies.

Section 15 Removal or Relocation of Logo Signs

1. The Authority shall permanently or temporarily remove (or relocate if possible) logo signs under the following circumstances:

A. If the space occupied by logo signage is needed for other highway signs;

B. In instances where signs will interfere with highway construction and maintenance activities; and

C. For other safety or operational reasons.

D. At the expiration or cancellation of the logo sign permit

2. Failure to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter two or with the terms of a logo sign rental agreement to be executed between the Authority and each participant shall result in cancellation of the logo permit and removal of the logo sign. The service facility shall be notified and given 30 days to come into compliance before the sign is removed and the permit cancelled.

3. For safety reasons, a logo sign may be removed immediately. The Authority shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the business of the logo sign removal.

4. In the event that an interchange is deemed to be no longer be rural in character, the logo signs shall be removed the following year when the signs are due for renewal of their annual fees.

5. Factors considered in the initial location selected for signage as set forth in this chapter two shall apply in considerations for relocation.

Section 16 Replacement

The participating service shall be responsible to provide new panels to the Authority or its vendor for reinstallation when in the opinion of the Authority existing panels require replacement, including but not limited to replacements due to wear, vandalism and accident. Damaged or worn logo panels shall be returned to the service.

Section 17 Financial Responsibility

1. Approved logo signs may be installed and maintained by a contractor approved by the Authority who may charge appropriate fees for the implementation of the logo sign program.

2. The Authority shall bear no cost for the design, implementation and maintenance of the logo sign program. All costs shall be borne by the participant as outlined in a logo sign agreement to be executed between the Authority and the participant at the time a logo sign is approved or renewed.

Section 18 Implementation

The Authority may contract for the provision of services relating to the logo sign program including recruitment and qualification of services , review of applications, permit issuance, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of logo signs.

Section 1 Background

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) is the national standard for traffic control devices on all roads open to public travel. The MUTCD (http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/) contains the standards for signing freeways and expressways for motorists who are unfamiliar with an area. The MUTCD incorporates by reference the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guidelines for the Selection of Supplemental Guide Signs for Traffic Generators adjacent to freeways.

P.L. 2014 c. 549, ‘An Act to Allow Signs for Areas of Local, Regional and Statewide Interest on the Interstate System’ was modeled on AASHTO guidance on the most appropriate generators for display on interstate highway supplemental guide signs. Section two of that act, codified at 23 M.R.S.A. §1912-C, sets out standards for supplemental guide signs on the Maine Turnpike.

Requests for additional interchange guide signs or modifications to existing interchange guide signs, as defined in 23 M.R.S.A. §1912-C., must be submitted in writing to the Authority’s engineering department. Any such request shall include documentation demonstrating that the proposed changes would be in compliance with 23 M.R.S.A. §1912-C. The Authority may notify other persons whom it deems has a substantial interest that might be negatively affected by granting of the request and shall give any other such person an opportunity to submit a written position on the request. The Authority’s executive director shall issue a written decision on the request within a reasonable time of receipt. The person submitting the request or any other person substantially affected may appeal the executive director’s decision to the Authority’s board by submitting a written request for appeal to the executive director within 30 days of the date of the decision. The board shall make a decision on the appeal at one of its regularly scheduled board meetings within 90 days of receipt of the appeal. The board’s hearing on the appeal shall be informal and the rules of evidence shall not apply. Any interested person may submit documentation that they wish the board to consider, but must do so at least 30 days before the hearing. Any interested person shall have the opportunity to be heard at the hearing. The board may rule immediately on the appeal or may take the appeal under advisement and issue a decision at a later date. The board’s decision on the appeal shall be final.

The MUTCD states that “sign installations are an integral part of the facility, and as such are best planned concurrently with the development of the highway locations and geometric design. Interstate signing is to be considered and developed as a planned system of installations. An engineering study is sometimes necessary for proper solution of the problems in many individual locations but in additional consideration of an entire route is necessary.”

Modification or installation of supplemental guide signs requires review of the surrounding area. Moving or eliminating other signs may be required to achieve a proper overall signing design in accordance with national standards. Signage is typically adjusted every 15-20 years as the life of most of the signs is reached and replacements are planned. In addition, as new facilities are built or new interchanges are built or under major rehabilitation considerations for adjustments in signs will be made. Therefore, requests for changes to signage under this chapter which are granted may not be actually put into effect by the Authority until a later date consistent with the Authority’s long term planning and operations.